...Simple Pleasures

Blog

Wow. Time flies. I need to make more time to update these blog entries and web site.

When we first moved into this home we built, I had commissioned someone to create the most beautiful chicken mailbox you have ever laid eyes on. Unfortunately, some jerk took a baseball bat to it within 3 days of it being erected.That was frustrating. I am going to assume and still hope that it was just bored teenagers.

That being said, last month I finally decided to refresh the broken mailbox and give it a facelift. It is not perfect anymore. I haven't made time to paint the blue post a beautiful pink or gold to match the mailbox.

Razzle Dazzle Strawberry Basil Iced Tea:
8 Black Tea Bags
1 pound Strawberries, hulled and halved (quartered if large)
12 Cups of Water, plus more for steeping
1/2 Cup of Sugar
1 cup of fresh Basil, plus more for serving
Lots of Ice, for serving
Directions: Bring 11 cups water to boil in large saucepan. Add tea bags, and let steep for 5 minutes. Place strawberries in a bowl. Bring remiaining 1 cup water and sugar to a boil in a small saucepan, stirring until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat, add basil. Toss to coat. Let stand until cool, about 25 minutes, then remove basil. Mash strawberries into basil syrup. Then combine into tea in a pitcher. Refrigerate until chilled. Serve over ice.

If you would rather buy Strawberry Basil tea bags, just click on the ice tea image below.

I took a few pictures this afternoon, August 1st. My sisters birthday.

There is so much beauty in this life. I was thinking earlier about a lot of people. Honestly, I find something very beautiful, intriguing and touching about every single person I meet and know. If you search to identify the good in people, you will see it. Sometimes you have to squint, but it's there.

I am also humbled to say that I also have a growing support system of friends that cheer me on. Thank you to all of you- you know who you are. I am hesitant to write specific names- I notice every kind deed and wish though...

Of course, there are always people that are aggravated by my passions and probably rolling their eyes right now. Your eyes rolling is not my fault. I've heard plenty of remarks of ridicule. I will kill your nerves with my kindness and refuse to snap. Nice try, you don't win.

One of my bucket list items as a child was to have a farm in the south. For years, I have by trial and error planted seeds, rooted cuttings and experimented with a lot of animals and plants.

Finally, I think I have the farm in self-sustain mode now and it should provide us with food and beauty every season with little maintnence.

This has taken a lot of muscle, shovel and determination. You just have no idea unless you've been the one with a shovel in your hand, fighting with weeds, covered in dirt or carrying around 50lb bags of animal food.

This piece of art work is absolutely stunning and beautiful. (photos below :))

I was so flattered and thankful to receive this beauty. When in the sun, it sparkles and dazzles and the colors are just right, this is very sentimental to me and I LOVE it!

Each piece she does is extremely gorgeous and unique. Check out Beautiful Junk Art on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/BeautifulJunkArt to view her portfolio of crushed, cut, and shattered glass art or to request a consultation for your own special piece.

Directions:Place the garlic clove in a food processor or blender and pulse a few times.

Dump the rest of the ingredients in to the food processor, except for the chickpea liquid, and run for 3-4 minutes. After the first 30 seconds or so, stream in the "chickpea liquid" while the processor is still running – until you reach your desired consistency and continue to process until very smooth and creamy.

Taste for seasoning and consistency, adding a bit more liquid if needed. The hummus will firm up a bit in the fridge; make runnier than you think you’d like.